Arch

This popular 1.5 mile trail can be accessed from the Sand Cove trailhead parking area just off the Babylon Road, 3 miles south of its intersection with Main Street in Leeds and 1½ miles from the Reserve’s north boundary. From the stepover at the parking area, hike the Flicker trail for 0.2 miles and follow the jeep road to the right another 0.4 miles to the primitive Sand Cove camp area. High clearance vehicles with 4WD capability can be driven right to the camp area on the jeep road coming out of the trailhead and parked at an appropriate location in the Cove. A trail sign marks the beginning of the Arch trail which winds through a rocky drainage with delightful red rock formations and a few sandy sections. About 1 mile down the trail, visitors will find a small but beautiful stand-alone arch that is a popular photo site. Another half mile will take visitors down to the Virgin River where the trail ends. A short, steep slope with deep sand immediately north of the arch can be challenging to some hikers returning to the parking area, especially in hot, dry summer months. An unsigned, alternate return route exists about 20 yards east of the arch that allows a more gradual climb through partly sandy soils to get back up to the main trail back to the start. Otherwise, the Arch trail is only moderately difficult in places and is suitable for most families. Total up and down elevation change from end to end is about 420 feet. No strollers, of course. The trail lies across lands administered by the BLM in the Red Cliffs NCA.

The Sandstone Area map shows the Sand Cove access trail and all linkages to adjoining trails in the Sandstone Mountain complex.

Arch trail overview

Many visitors park at the Sand Cove trailhead right off the Babylon Road